Elephants are among the most admired animals in Africa. Tourists travel thousands of kilometers hoping to see them in the wild, to watch them move as a herd, or simply to stand in awe of their presence. For many, the idea of sitting on an elephant’s back for a ride may sound like a unique way to connect with these giants. But beneath the surface, this practice is far from harmless, and I’m glad I never booked an ‘elephant safari’.